Briefly

UNITED STATES

8 dead in bomber crash in California

A B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff at a US Air Force base in California and burst into flames on Monday, killing all eight people aboard, military officials said. Aerial footage showed virtually nothing was left of the aircraft that went down around 11:20 am during a routine test mission at Edwards Air Force Base. It was not immediately clear what caused the crash, and it could take up to six months to complete an investigation, said James Hayes, the deputy commander for the 412th Test Wing at Edwards.

PALESTINE

Presidential elections scheduled for 2027

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reaffirmed on Monday that parliamentary elections are scheduled for November, to be followed by presidential elections next year, WAFA news agency reported." Abbas affirmed his commitment to moving forward with the comprehensive national reform program and strengthening the democratic process," WAFA said.

JAPAN

Central bank hikes rate to 31-year high

The Bank of Japan decided on

Tuesday to raise its benchmark interest rate to a 31-year high, as the central bank seeks to stay ahead of inflation and support the weak yen. The BOJ raised its benchmark rate 25 basis points to 1.0 percent, the highest since 1995 and marking the first increase since December. The widely expected decision followed increases by the European Central Bank and in Indonesia last week after the war in the Middle East caused economic havoc and rising prices worldwide.

AGENCIES-XINHUA